Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority are hosting the 5th annual Kwanzaa Ball tonight in the Oklahoma Memorial Ballroom to highlight the significance of Kwanzaa this holiday season.
The formal ball will begin at 8:06 p.m. and only costs $5 per person or $8 per couple.
The evening will begin with a speaker who will discuss some of the history and traditions of Kwanzaa.
"The speaker will give the principles of Kwanzaa, which will be a good reminder to everyone of what it really means," said Devin Pauley, Alpha Phi Alpha member.
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration that focuses on the value of family, community and culture, reminding African-Americans of their ancestors and their guiding principles.
"It's a chance to get dressed up and is open to everyone, no matter what their race," Pauley said.
The Kwanzaa Ball is a banquet-style event complete with a dance floor, buffet and music.
"We will have a live band for the first hour or so, and then a deejay to give it some flavor," said Adrian Templeton, Alpha Phi Alpha member.
In addition to the music and dancing, there will be several limousines chartering people back and forth from the union to the dorms.
"I think the limos add a classy touch, and we are hoping to upscale from last year," Templeton said, "Maybe even to stretch Escalades, but I don't know for sure."
The proceeds the event raises will go toward one of the several national service organizations the fraternity and sorority contribute to annually.
"We have the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and lots of other things that we donate money to every year," Templeton said.
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